Several producers and directors of movies, shows, or music videos who have diverse female characters portraying racial stereotypes argue that this is an accurate reflection of society. They insist that WOC are perceived by society with these stereotypes, so storylines should embrace them. Several directors also argue that “stereotypes had to come from somewhere.” However, the media and entertainment industry need to realize the expanse of their reach and the influence they have on people. Movies and TV shows can be instrumental in forming impressionable viewers’ perceptions of certain racial groups because they contribute to the ongoing microaggressions and racial violence that WOC face in the real world. When WOC children and teenagers grow up watching people with the same skin color as them represented poorly in the media, feelings of inferiority can transfer over into their own lives. For white viewers, these stereotypes on screen may lead them to think that discriminatory or offensive behavior towards POC is acceptable, when in reality, the opposite is true. WOC will always be in a constant uphill struggle for liberation from the stereotypes that they are fixated to in the media industry. White men dominate the media and entertainment industries with little knowledge of these diverse cultural backgrounds and continue to paint them as objects. The influence of the media and the entertainment industry in shaping people's opinions and perceptions cannot be undermined. Casting minority actors in meaningful lead roles away from their stereotypes can help in changing societal perceptions in a positive way and play a huge role in the acceptance of WOC in society.
Compromise isn’t a choice when it comes to racial stereotypes, faulty representation, or caricatures of racial groups. Respect for diverse cultures and the accurate portrayal of WOC in the media and entertainment industries can go a long way in promoting inclusivity in communities. Hollywood has left a lot of transformative and life-shaping experiences of WOC unexplored. Including these experiences in diverse roles for WOC will help in dismantling these toxic racial stereotypes.
